Lees Avenue bridge closure causes confusion and traffic woes

The Lees Avenue bridge will be replaced June 21-22 but will stay closed until September

Sarah Anderson

Wreaking havoc both on and off the highway, construction closures began Monday on the Lees Avenue bridge and on the section of the 417 that runs underneath it.

That has created confusion for drivers and major traffic tie-ups both east and west bound on the highway.

Signs on Lees about the closure are not posted until drivers coming from King Edward or the westbound 417 are already approaching the Lees bridge.

They're forced to turn around at Chapel Crescent and head to Greenfield. From there drivers can take Main Street to get to Lees. They can also access Lees Ave from the eastbound off-ramp from the 417.

These are now their only option and they're frustrated, telling CFRA News they didn't know where the closures would start or what alternates to take.

"But if it brings improvements to the city it's important, so, really it's not going to be for too long, hopefully," said Diane who lives in the area and plans to adjust her travel hours to make the changes more liveable.

The closure will last until November and includes lane reductions on the highway in off-peak hours. It is to replace the bridge, sewer system and refinish the stretch of Lees between Main Street and Chestnut Street, a long-needed repair.

Few alternatives are being suggested by the City despite the added disruptions for drivers commuting through the downtown core.

People are being told to change their commuting times, stagger work hours, take the bus, cycle, walk or carpool to work.